Training, races and other ramblings

I am going to apologize in advance at how "all over the map" this post will be!

I have an ultra marathon in less than 7 weeks.  Am I ready?  Not at all.  I am following Hal Higdon's intermediate I marathon training since I am running the Detroit Marathon in less than 10 weeks but have altered the program to include my races as well as trail running.  I really need to get some distance running done on the trails or I will never survive Dances with Dirt!   The longest I have run on the trail is 13 miles.  That won't cut it!!

I had a long run of 15 miles this past weekend.  My goal was to force myself to run 30-60 seconds per mile slower than my marathon goal pace.  I ended up running an 8:00 pace.  Not only did I run much faster than I intended, but I did it in the sunshine and humidity.  As much as I know long runs should be runner slower, I really needed this.  I've felt so sluggish over the past few weeks so this was definitely the boost of confidence I needed.

Here are my splits for my 15 mile run I did on Sunday on Grosse Ile. 

Mile 1:    8:05
Mile 2:    7:52
Mile 3:    8:00
Mile 4:    8:01
Mile 5:    7:53
Mile 6:    7:54
Mile 7:    7:50
Mile 8:    8:08
Mile 9:    8:01
Mile 10:  8:06
Mile 11:  8:26
Mile 12:  7:51
Mile 13:  7:57
Mile 14:  8:05
Mile 15:  8:08
Mile .01: 7:30

I've been running with a group from the YMCA.  Last week I ran with one of the runners only twice and spent the rest of the time on my own.  It definitely made me realize how I miss running alone.  I was always a solo runner, unless I ran with my dad.  I recently began running with a group at the gym every morning at 5am.  As much as I enjoy the company, I need to get out on my own too!  I was able to get a great speed work out in (on the treadmill), had a fast long run and even hit the track.  Now, to break it to the group that I just can't run with them every day. 
I have a 10 mile race this weekend.  I am really looking forward to this race.  The course is quite hilly and I could use a good hill work out.  I have decided to use this as a training run and not race it.  Wish me luck on sticking to that goal!  I will be arriving to the location bright and early that morning to help out.  It's my uncle's race and he can use the assistance.  My dad is arriving at 4am to set up all the water stops on the 4.8 and 10 mile courses.  I really hope this race has a great turn out.  In years past, prior to the 3 year hiatus, they had close to 1300 runners.  From what I have heard, there are only 300 registered.  :-(  
 
Another thing that has been on my mind a ton lately are shoes.  I love my Brooks Adrenaline's but I need something lighter in weight for speed work and tempo runs.  I really want to try these from the Brooks PureProject line, but they do not come out until October.  I also like the look of the Saucony Mirage and Saucony Kinvara.  Running Warehouse also has Nike Free 3.0 for $64.88 and I can use a code to get an additional 10% off.  What to do, what to do.  I know the simple answer.  Head up to Running Fit and see what they suggest!